Herat’s Jihad Panorama Showcases Afghan Resistance Against Soviet Army

The Jihad Panorama in Herat serves as a museum displaying artifacts, war trophies, and reconstructions depicting the suffering, resilience, and heroism of Afghans during the Soviet invasion.

Abdul Saboor Mujahid, Cultural Director of the Herat Jihad Museum, stated that the exhibits aim to show the present generation how ancestors fought bravely against superpowers using limited resources. Scenes are reconstructed from photographs and eyewitness accounts, portraying Afghan men and women resisting the Soviet Army and the regime it supported.

Former jihadi commander Sayed Ahmad Qatali described how Afghans endured hardships, sacrificed lives and families, and demonstrated resilience amid tanks and bombardments. Wakil Ahmad Mujahid added that men, women, young, and old defended the land, leading to the Soviet defeat and withdrawal on 26 Dalwa 1367 (solar calendar). Abdul Ali Ghordarwazi noted the 14-year defense of religion, country, and honor, marked by destroyed homes, mass graves, devastated cities and villages, millions of martyrs, wounded, disabled, and displaced, and widespread poverty.

The museum highlights crimes committed by Soviet soldiers and the supported regime. One section features war trophies seized from Soviet and British forces, including military equipment left behind after battles.

The site attracts daily visits from domestic and international tourists.